From left, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., and Suffolk County, N.Y. Executive Steve Bellone celebrate just after the House of Representatives passed a $50.5 billion emergency aid bill for states hit by Hurricane Sandy, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday.AP photo

WASHINGTON -- The House has approved a $50.5 billion measure for Hurricane Sandy victims.

The 241-180 vote sends the measure to the Senate which is expected to take it up next Tuesday.

Northeast lawmakers from both parties have been pressing for the aid for more than two months.

The Oct. 29 storm is blamed for 140 deaths -- 24 of them from Staten Island -- and pounded the Atlantic coast from North Carolina to Maine with hurricane-force winds and coastal flooding. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut were the hardest hit.

Said Mayor Michael Bloomberg: "Since October 29, New Yorkers have been working to rebuild homes, businesses and critical infrastructure destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, but we have always known that a full recovery would not be possible without federal aid. The vote today moves Washington towards honoring the commitment that Americans always make to one another in times of crisis. I applaud all of those who supported this legislation, because the funding is essential to ensuring that New York City rebuilds stronger and safer. I would especially like to thank Representatives Pete King and Michael Grimm, who led the charge for New York in the Republican caucus, as well as Representatives Nita Lowey, Joe Crowley, and our entire delegation. I would also like to thank Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor, with whom I have spoken to numerous times, for ensuring the bills came to the floor for a vote. Together with Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, they secured the bipartisan support needed for this critical legislation. Although it has been 11 long weeks since Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast, we are grateful that the House of Representatives has acted on behalf of New Yorkers and others impacted by the storm. The U.S. Senate approved a relief package last year, and we hope they will act quickly to re-pass this vital piece of legislation so that we can ensure New York City's recovery."

Said Grimm in part, in a prepared statement Tuesday night:

"I have poured my heart and soul into this effort - working tirelessly to secure the support to pass this bill and bring relief to the people of Staten Island. "There's no question that this vote should have happened much sooner; however, I am proud to return to my district knowing that we won the battle in the House. Once this bill becomes law, we will have the rest of the funding to continue helping our homeowners and small business owners get back on their feet, begin repairing NYC's devastated infrastructure, and give the Army Corps of Engineers the resources it needs to begin fortifying our shoreline."

"This funding will never make up for the loss and devastation that was felt by so many throughout Staten Island and the region, but it can help restore some semblance of normality to lives that have been turned upside down," added Grimm. "I am grateful to represent such an extraordinary and resilient constituency, and feel truly privileged to play a role in delivering the aid needed to help our communities rebuild."

Robert Scamardella, chairman of Staten Island's Republican Party said: "I know that the congressman worked extraordinarily hard on this and exhibited admirable political courage. This is a good day for all of Staten Island, particularly the victims of Hurricane Sandy."